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It’s pretty self-explanatory, but Veganuary is a month-long pledge throughout the month of January where people try and live a more vegan lifestyle. The Four Seasons in Jumeirah is putting a precedence on wellness and nutrition and has decided to adopt this trend in one of its restaurants this month, which in my view, is fab news.

Let’s face it, adopting a plant-based diet with no meat, no dairy and no animal products can be for some, pretty tricky. I’m a vegetarian but I couldn’t imagine what my diet would look like if I gave up milk, eggs and bread… so I was intrigued to check out just what a vegan brekkie looks (tastes) like.

Their new ‘Get The Glow’ vegan menu unveiled this month at The Pearl Courtyard and I have to say, I was very impressed. (Check it out further down) My favourites are the Turmeric Quinoa Granola, Baobab Blueberry Yoghurt and the Superfruit Salad, share all three over a pot of England’s finest and you’ve got my winning strategy.

“Realizing the importance of a healthy and holistic lifestyle, Executive Chef Gilles has curated a dedicated menu rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and nutrients which is skillfully prepared to create positive, and long-lasting change and promote overall health. Using fresh and seasonal produce sourced from a local organic farm, Chef Gilles aims to change the way we view food without compromising on the flavour.” …and he’s not wrong, with a menu like that, there really is something for everyone and I can definitely recommend it as a healthy hotspot.

Here’s what they’re serving…

Don’t miss out!

Recommended

Under the Laser

Posted on November 2, 2018

If you’re not happy with shaving, tweezing, or waxing to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal is a great option nowadays. It beams highly concentrated light into the hair follicles, the pigment in the follicles absorb the light and that destroys the hair.

Lasers are great for removing unwanted hair from pretty much everywhere nowadays, like the face, legs, arms, underarms, bikini line and plenty of other areas. The great thing with laser hair removal is its precision. Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Quick note though, you should try avoid sun exposure for around six weeks after treatment.

I spoke with Nagla Momtaz, the Laser Therapist at the Dermalase Clinic, Jumeirah about their unique machine and technique.

1. Tell us about your background in cosmetic beauty

I have been working in this field for over ten years now. Cosmetic beauty has advanced when we talk about latest technology and techniques being used. As part of my work, I’m constantly updating my knowledge as we advance in order to provide my clients with the result they desire.

2. Can you talk us through the USP’s of this unique new hair removal system

Soprano is the latest generation of laser hair removal system virtually painless and very effective. It combines 3 laser wavelengths into a single innovative hand piece targeting different tissue depths and allows to treat the widest range of skin and hair types.

3. Would you recommend it over other methods of hair removal?

Yes, I would highly recommend this method for it’s unique technique that can provide great results for different skin and hair types. It is the only FDA approved machine for tan skin and suitable for fine hair as well.

4. Who benefits most from this type of system?

Patients with sensitive or tanned skin can surely benefit from this treatment. Soprano is safe and clinically proven method of laser hair removal that is virtually painless and effective for all areas of the body for both men and women.

5. How many times do you need to do laser hair removal to see a difference?

It may vary depending on the patient’s skin color, hair type and the area being treated. Usually you start seeing the difference in the first session itself but it takes 6 to 7 sessions for good results.

6. How long do you have to wait in between laser hair removal treatments?

In the initial sessions you have to wait for 4 weeks in between sessions and gradually the gap between sessions will be longer.

7. Does laser hair removal last permanently?

Yes, with this new system patients can expect good hair reduction results.

8. How painful is laser hair removal really?

It is virtually painless. Soprano’s unique technique effectively damages the hair follicle while preventing injury and pain to the surrounding tissue. At the same time it cools the skin surface, preventing superficial burns and the sensation of pain.

9. What should you not do before your laser hair removal session?

Avoid any hair removal method that involves pulling the roots like waxing and threading.

fashion Recommended

Summer’s Here with Black Coral XO

Posted on May 14, 2018

As the weather heats up at home, you get the feeling that we’ve missed out on a season or two… after all it’s in the early 40’s already. We’re all in the mood for summer, but not ready to face the scorching sunshine that goes with it. If like me, you were looking for a little escape from the sun, that relieves some of the heat-shock with somewhat cooler currents, then I would highly recommend a weekend away in Sri Lanka. Without a doubt it’s the easiest place to pack for too, I only bring with me swimwear and flip-flops! I absolutely love Aussie online boutique Black Coral XO for their summer-personified collections, beachwear and resort wear.

Only four hours away with FlyDubai or Emirates, this Indian Ocean hotspot is the ideal weekend escape. Hop on a late night Thursday flight and be sipping coconuts by breakfast. There are plenty of boutique hotels to choose from along the coastline, but I would definitely recommend heading south to Galle as a base. Unawatuna, Mirissa, Welligama are all great places to look at, especially if surfing is on your list.

Here’s my top 5 favourite swimsuits for your weekend away:

Sweet Disposition One Piece

Lazy Palms One Piece

Summer Safari One Piece

Malibu One Piece

Long Island One Piece

Fitness Recommended

An Extra Drop Of Health

Posted on May 7, 2018

I’ve been uber hectic recently and fearing for my health and that i’m going to fall prey to the dreaded Dubai flu from the AC’s, I thought i’d look into getting a little top up as a pre-emptive measure. I’m no stranger to needles, (8 tattoo’s so far), but i’m definitely new to the idea of a lifestyle-based additive.

Down in Healthcare City is a small cozy little doctors office that houses the Révitalife Drip; an individually tailored multi-mineral and vitamin intra-venous drip. Putting precedence on bespoke packages, from the pH, to the tonicity and osmolarity, it’s the only Ministry of Health approved IV infusions out there.

It’s the fastest and safest way to feed your body with vitamins and minerals.

Why would you supplement your health with a drip before you’re actually sick? Well, with a wide mix of super antioxidants, immunity boosters and detox cocktails to choose from, you’ve got a rout to total wellness and prevention is of course the best cure. They’ve been clinically proven to stimulate and increase immune system function, increase cellular repair, regeneration and accelerates the process of recovery too.

It’s not without merit either, you are first treated to an on-site doctor’s consultation, which allows deeper understanding of what you may actually need, rather than self-diagnosing yourself.

My first experience was the Anti-Stress and Antioxidant Révitalife Drip

Essential to fight against oxidative stress caused by naturally-occurring free radicals. Free radicals are found in anything from drinking to walking the streets. Unfortunately, plenty of free radicals are unavoidable, for instance all the pollution in the air. This I.V. helps your body to detoxify such toxins, as well as reducing aging and development of degenerative diseases. Research has also shown that raised glutathione levels decrease muscle damage, reduce recovery time, increase strength and endurance and shift metabolism from fat production to muscle development.

I have to say, Barry’s Bootcamp seemed a little less tough the next morning, plus I had tonnes of energy and got a full night sleep too!

I then tried the GUT Healer Révitalife Drip

This drip is rich in glutamine and folic acid, essential for healing the digestion and leaky gut. The L-glutamine in this I.V. drip is essential for the synthesis of the mucoproteins present in the mucous secretions of the GI tract. I am intolerant to all sorts of food so i figured this would be a great one to help with any food sensitivity too.

Last but not least, I hooked up to the Glowing and Radiant Skin Révitalife Drip

Rich in Vitamin C and glutathione, which is vital for detoxifying the skin. Not only is glutathione a powerful antioxidant, but it is essential for helping your skin recover from the daily damage caused by sun exposure and great at combating visible signs of ageing. All helping with my sun-soaked day-to-day routine as I battle the damage of my naive youth on sensitive skin.

It’s really a worthy and cost-effective option to help boost your body and it’s natural balances, as I for one am not good at all at sticking to supplements!

Recommended

ESSE Live Probiotic Plus facial

Posted on May 1, 2018

Now i’m all for packed probiotics in my breakfast for a healthy, happy tummy, but probiotics on my face? I envisioned being caked in a yoghurt-y mask when I first heard about this new facial at SensAsia Urban Spa, but it boasts the latest in prebiotic and probiotic technology. This certified organic, vegan, ethical and cruelty-free facial is heralded as a ‘live’ skincare revolution that slows the signs of ageing.

SensAsia Urban Spa is Dubai’s go-to day hotspot, and this budget-friendly new facial, featuring South African-born brand ESSE with probiotics (live microorganisms), is now firmly on my beauty radar.

The first in the region to offer a range of ESSE facials and products, “ESSE works with the science that our skin is alive with naturally occurring probiotics – live bacteria and yeasts…

Just as research has proven probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut, we now know that optimal skin condition also depends heavily on the probiotic microbes living both on and inside it. Microbes permeate deep into the skin’s structure, and work with each unique make-up of cells to perform the complex chemistry, that equates to that unrivalled outer radiance we all strive for.

Without microbes, skin cannot perform even its basic functions, and the rate of noticeable skin ageing increases sharply. ESSE products create an environment on the skin to promote the growth of these hugely bene cial probiotic microbes. They then form a ‘barrier’ on the surface of the skin (think of it as a completely natural coat of body armour!), which not only protects, nourishes and feeds the skin, but also actively delays the visible signs of ageing.”

Who doesn’t want to try this!? Use the code ESSE AMANDA and get a FREE 15-minute back, neck & shoulder massage when you book any ESSE treatment at SensAsia Urban Spa!

Music Recommended

The Sound Of The Ocean

Posted on April 24, 2018

If music is what feelings sound like… then the ocean is an orchestra.

I love all kinds of music, but i have to admit, i’m not usually a fan of listening to them in private. I’m more of a speaker girl, but this time round, B&O PLAY have me quite convinced that tuning in is a great way of tuning out. The new SS18 Collection that B&O PLAY have come up with is ocean inspired, so much so that these limited edition premium speakers and headphones have been paired with more than just the colours of the sea.

Composing an exclusive soundtrack for the collection launch, August Rosenbaum – music inspired by the ocean itself.

Featuring a vibrant and healthy oceanic colour palette that includes Aloe, a light, natural green shade resembling a fresh ocean crest, Steel Blue, a dark turquoise shade, just like the ocean at night, and Teal, a rich, dark green shade inspired by a rising wave.

The Spring/Summer 2018 Collection consists of:

· Beoplay H4 – Wireless headphones with focus on pure sound, pure materials and pure expression. Made for those who value iconic simplicity and like to travel lightly and move freely. Designed by Jakob Wagner.

· Beoplay P2 – Truly personal and fully portable speaker, with smart connect features activated with a tap or a shake. Fitting easily into a bag or pocket, it’s ideal for those always on-the-go. Designed by Cecilie Manz.

· Beoplay A1 – Portable Bluetooth speaker in a beautiful design by Cecilie Manz, with category-breaking performance, and packing a punch way beyond its size. For those who care about great design and sound on-the-go. SS18 colours: Aloe and Steel Blue.

Fitness Recommended

Eco-Conscious Activewear from H&M

Posted on February 7, 2018

Blending fashion with function and fitness, H&M has announced that its latest activewear collection is made from totally eco-friendly, sustainable materials. Now we know H&M are great when it comes to encouraging conscious consumerism with their sought-after conscious collection, it’s great to see it transpire across more of the clothing in-store. “Inspired by nature and positive, strong women” the collection revolves around the theme of ‘In it for the long run’ …as we all want our most-washed items to last.

The collection includes; tights, sports bras, hoodies and tops for training, running and yoga. With a precedence on nature and sustainability, the prints and the colours feature Earthy greens, blacks and beiges. So where’s the Eco element? The clothes are made with recycled polyester and elastane and for an added bonus, are made for our quick gym-tan-laundry turnaround too, with quick-dry and seamless finishings.

“By bringing together the functional and feminine, the aim is to give customers a stylish, conscious sports collection. And not just through the fabrics – we utilized a new knitting technique that creates seamless garments while using less yarn or fabric waste. Blending function with sustainable thinking and fashion in this way is the way forward,” says Petra Smeds, head designer of sportswear.

What are we eyeing:

Recommended

Strip Off This Winter

Posted on January 25, 2018

Because it isn’t always cold in December. If you’re from the southern hemisphere you’ll probably be preparing to hit the beach rather than the slopes this winter, so if you’re looking for something with a little less fabric, we’ve spotted some gorgeous new swimwear for you to strip off for.

Creatively driven, with a touch more soul, & Other Stories is a one-stop styling destination filled with collections from three design ateliers in Paris, Stockholm and Los Angeles. Open at The Dubai Mall, it’s a H&M affiliate that’s just as addictive with both summer and winter collections.

With a bit more heart than your average store too, it’s great to see how brands are jumping aboard the eco-train and getting with the laundry program. Fashion is a high water-consuming industry and most fabrics end up as wastage, so with & Other Stories, you can bring your old clothes to one of their stores and they’ll give them a new life… (not currently in the U.A.E. but stay tuned.)

Here’s five gorgeous pieces from & Other Stories that’ll help persuade you strip off for our southern summer’s… it’s what we’re here for after all. Skip the clothes and adorn “spirited-hues and confidently feminine frills in figure-defining swimsuits”.

Because stripes are always a solid option.

Swimsuit aed 249

Baywatch eat your heart out.

Swimsuit aed 189

Butter wouldn’t melt.

Swimsuit aed 189

The little black swimsuit.

Swimsuit aed 189

Feeling a little more tropical…

Swimsuit aed 299

Fitness Recommended

How Fit Is Your DNA?

Posted on January 9, 2018

Is this even a thing? Can your DNA really predetermine how fit you can be? I wasn’t so sure at first, but a consultation with specialist Intercare Wellness doctor, DR. Nas Al-Jafari, sat around a cosy table in a cafe in Al Serkal gave me a lot more faith in the process… he was less mad-scientist and more professor X.

Based in Al Marina, Abu Dhabi, Intercare Wellness takes a holistic and ‘whole person’ approach to health. Offering a unique range of testing and treatments, the centre highlight’s these genetic screening processes:
• Advanced Preventative DNA & Genetic Testing aimed at identifying a range of hereditary diseases from cancers through to a variety of long-term illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and dementia.
• Lifestyle DNA profiles including ancestry genetics, diet and exercise profiles, skin DNA and personality genetics.

“DNA & Genetic testing goes far beyond learning about ancestry, 90% of diets fail because each person’s body reacts differently to various foods, exercise, and micronutrient levels, which is somewhat down to our DNA. Your genes don’t just determine your eye colour; but determine diet and nutrition, physiological traits like endurance, fat burning ability, metabolism and undiagnosed nutrient deficiencies. They can also help determine if you’ve got more of a predisposition for certain illnesses, based on testing how our skin will age!” DR. Nas

For myself, I wanted more of a focus on fitness & sport, so I chose to try out their DNAFit genetic testing. Recommended for those who are already fit and looking for a more indepth analysis, DNAFit can tell you what your recovery nutrition needs, your aerobic potential and your power endurance response is.

It’ll also tell you your potential for optimal fitness, such as regimes that will help you meet your health goals and whether you’re at risk for certain vitamin deficiencies that can affect your heart, memory and energy levels. It can also give you insight in into traits such as sodium intake, lactose and alcohol metabolism and gluten sensitivity.

My results arrived after 6 weeks:

You get a much larger, much more in-depth analysis online, accessible with your log in details and you can enter a world of DNA, including chat rooms and Olympic medalist comparisons, that will help give you a much better understanding of your overall DNA design, all from a simple little cheek swap.

Recommended

Project Beauty… Period.

Posted on October 11, 2017

“To extend our inner beauty outwards towards others”… a fitting tagline for Dubai’s newest salon, but this time – it’s not talking about just a beauty fix. Project Beauty on Wasl Road (Al Thanyah Street crossing) is the kind of salon you’ll leave with better brows but even better karma!

The concept of Project Beauty is that is supports a unique, life improving foundation in Africa which puts a precedence on both education and dignity. Did you know that in some areas of Africa, girls have to miss school when they are on their period because they are seen as ‘unclean’… especially as a pack of sanitary pads will cost almost a quarter of their daily wages. Compounding the situation, girls can miss up to 8 months of school, because of their period, over 3 years and this hinders their opportunity to achieve any form of qualifications.

UNESCO estimates that almost 1 in 10 girls in the whole of Africa miss school because of their menses…

Buying period pads in Africa is clearly beyond reach for most young girls in Kenya so Project Beauty operates a one to one system where every 100AED you spend at either The Wax Studio or T’Sume, a reusable sanitary pad is donated to a young girl there. With two portals of operation, The Wax Studio, Dubai’s first wax exclusive salon and T’Sume, the luxurious lounge which doubles as a salon/spa, there’s double the opportunity to help!

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